The Associate Director, Benefits plays a critical role in owning and advancing Madrigal's benefits programs. This role is responsible for leading benefits plan operations, driving key initiatives, and ensuring programs are delivered effectively, compliantly, and with a strong focus on communications and the employee experience. This individual partners closely with Total Rewards leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to influence program direction and drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the execution and ongoing management of Madrigal's benefits programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and employee needs
• Oversee day-to-day administration of all health, welfare, and retirement programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a high-quality employee experience
• Exceptional communication skills translating complex benefits information into clear, concise messaging that drives employee understanding
• Oversee the administration and case management of all leave and disability programs, partnering with employees, managers, HR, administrators, and carriers to ensure effective program delivery, timely case resolution, and clear guidance on leave policies, processes, and accommodations.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex benefits issues and employee inquiries
• Own vendor relationships, including performance management, service delivery, issue resolution, and optimization of partnerships
• Lead vendor-related initiatives, including implementations, transitions, and enhancements
• Lead cross-functional coordination with HR Operations, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to ensure seamless and compliant benefits delivery
• Lead change management and process improvement to enhance efficiency, scalability, and the employee experience
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA), including oversight of audits, filings, and required notices
• Own and execute open enrollment, including planning, communications, employee education, and post-enrollment activities
• Oversee retirement programs, including 401(k) and NQDC plans, with accountability for compliance and vendor performance
• Lead the administration and continuous improvement of wellness and wellbeing programs
• Manage benefits-related financial processes, including purchase orders, invoice reconciliation and vendor coordination
• Analyze data and trends to drive insights and continuous program improvement
• Maintain plan documentation, SOPs, policies, and internal controls
• Support the execution of Madrigal's Benefits Roadmap and partner with Total Rewards leadership to inform program direction
• Drive multiple concurrent, high-impact initiatives across the benefits function
• Role may require domestic travel for internal meetings and conferences
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Experience
Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits administration and program management
• Experience leading benefits implementations and large-scale project work
• Experience with vendor performance management
• Strong knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations and compliance requirements

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a fast-growth or transformation environment
• Experience with HRIS platforms, including Workday
• Experience supporting open enrollment strategy and execution
• Experience with Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, pivot tables, and lookups (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP)
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• CEBS, CBP, PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP or similar certification preferred.

Madrigal's Total Rewards strategy is based on a biotech industry peer group comparator and is inclusive of base pay, bonus and equity. Our equity offers meaningful opportunity allowing our employees to share in the success they help create. By aligning individual and company performance, we empower employees to think like owners, giving them a stake in the organization.

All employees receive equity, which we believe reinforces our ownership culture. Base salary is determined by several factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, education, experience, business needs and market demands. As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position, applicable to all candidates, is $168,980 - $194,738 per year. We comply with all applicable minimum wage laws.

All full-time employees receive equity, which reinforces our ownership culture and offers meaningful opportunity for our employees to share in the success they help create. By aligning individual and company performance, we empower employees to think like owners, giving them a stake in the organization.

Full-time employees are also eligible for comprehensive benefits, including flexible paid time off, medical, dental, vision and life/disability insurance, and 401(k) offerings (i.e., traditional, Roth, and employer match) in accordance with applicable plans. We also offer additional voluntary benefits like supplemental life insurance, legal services, and other offerings. In addition, we offer mental health benefits through our Employee Assistance Program for employees and their family. The company also provides other benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.